Sitting a point above the Premier League dropzone, De Zerbi has taken charge with seven games left to guide Spurs to safety.
And in video clips released by the club's media team, De Zerbi is heard giving clear instructions in training on how he wants his team to play.
For some, it may be considered risky, but the Italian is pushing his newly-inherited players to invite the opposition to press when they're in possession - even at the back.
During one rondo he said: "One or two touch. With two touch it is impossible to lose the ball because we are five to pass against two. Enjoy, enjoy but you have to move. Enjoy with the ball.
"A lot of teams now they come man to man. Man to man you need to pass the ball. It's important, one touch, two touch."
De Zerbi also encouraged: "Keep the ball, keep the ball. Attract the pressure. Attract the pressure.
"The speed of the ball possession, the opponent decides our speed. When they are coming in front, we need to be faster in moving the ball, giving angles, giving solutions."
De Zerbi's instructions suggest there'll be 'no route one' or 'if in doubt boot it out' approach from Spurs in these final crucial games of the campaign.